The Moon Principle in Astrology

With its rhythmic patterns and morphing physical form, the Moon was quickly adopted to mark the passing of time within ancient cultures. Its changing nature and effects on agriculture, the tides, and fertility cycles lent themselves to the creation of myths, legends and rituals that formed the basis of social living and belief in early civilisations.

To this day, the lunar principle gives voice to the feminine in all of us, whether male or female, with its focus on instincts, intuition, emotions, and comfort. Through the Moon we re-connect to our roots, heritage, tribe, and even our DNA. The Moon is our memory, an unconscious pull to the past that gives us a sense of identity, safety, and belonging.

The placement and aspects of the Moon colour our unfiltered responses to experiences, and internal and external stimuli. Perpetually evaluating and calibrating our emotions, it reveals our subconscious predispositions and conditioned reflexes, as we scan and respond to each tangible or ineffable trigger from the outer world.

In our chart, the Moon describes how we meet our needs to be safe, nurtured, and accepted, both emotionally and physically, and through food and our home environment. It is our most authentic, intimate, vulnerable self that only those closest to us get to see and experience. The more challenging aspects from the slow planets can significantly affect our emotional peace, sense of inner stability, and domestic and emotional security. A wounded Moon can manifest as various psychosomatic and hypochondriacal symptoms, distortions of self-image, and chronic feelings of alienation from others.

Another critical symbolism of the Moon in a natal chart is that of representing one’s mother, and indirectly, one’s family, as perceived by the individual. At times, it may also signify female connections, or the public, and how we interact with them. In the charts of both sexes, the Moon is the primary indicator of relationship harmony or lack thereof. In a natal chart the Moon symbolises the type of partner individuals are likely to be attracted to, what qualities will make them feel comfortable and warm, what is essential for a nurturing relationship. Awareness of our partner’s Moon sign and aspects in relation to our own can dramatically improve how we relate to one another. If we understand our partner’s Moon, we understand his or her true needs.

If you’re interested in following Moon cycles in your life, download my free Moon Calendar to track suitable attitudes and activities for each phase. You can also find out what Moon phase you were born under on this page.

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